- Spent part of a 3 day break at the Sea of Galilee, enjoying dinner ( vegetable soup ) one evening at an out of the way place recommended by Al and Judy, fellow volunteers. We were sitting there quietly, minding our own business, on Sunday, November 25th, when over the background music system came " I'm dreaming of a White Christmas " by you know who. Two songs later " It came upon a midnight clear ".....right there in a Jewish diner, less than fifty miles away from where it all started some 2000 years ago.
- Speaking of dinner, we spent Saturday evening with 16 other volunteers and staff being hosted by one of our American guides and treated to a Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkey, cranberry jelly, mashed potatoes, gravy, delicious dessert and much more. Will have to walk more.
- Speaking of walking, we have been walking everywhere since we got here, not taking the rapid transit that started up since our last tour here. So Friday we bought tickets to take the trip from one end to the other to see what we could see.....we saw nothing. We forgot that Friday afternoon the tram stops at 3pm in order to be ready for Shabbat around 430pm. We sat there at the station watching two empty trains go by before we figured it out with help from some friendly young Palestinian youth.
- It is quiet in Jerusalem - both in regards to war and in regards to tours coming through. A slow down is expected right about now, but some American groups cancelled because they felt unsure for their safety. All is quiet in Israel right now.
- Glenda and I left Sunday morning for a three day break in the Galilee with good intentions, however everything seemed to go wrong... from getting lost and almost running out of gas to arriving at our guest house and finding three single beds, which wouldn't go together ( we tried ). They were three different heights. About 25 minutes out of Tiberias on the way home, Glenda remembered " WE " forgot her pillow back at the guest house ( it's a special pillow ). We went back.
- Very excited about Gordon and Donna Reeve arriving this week - I won't be able to tell people on my tours that Glenda and I are the only Canadians volunteering here. However, it will be wonderful working alongside such a great couple - they will be a perfect fit for God to use mightily here.
- There are more Flafel joints per capita in East Jerusalem than Fast Food franchises in any major city in North America. They are tasty and healthy too.
- During our guided tours, often people ask me why there is a Palestinian bus depot right in the area where Christ may have been crucified. My answer - this is Jerusalem. I tell visitors that right outside the main entrance of the Garden Tomb is a Palestinian neighbourhood, complete with women completely covered head to toe, except for their face. Five blocks to the right is Mia Sharim, an Ultra Orthodox Jewish neighbourhood, where driving your vehicle during Shabbat will guarantee it gets stoned. Five blocks the other way is Ben Yahuda, Jerusalem's answer to Robson Square, where Glenda and I can sit with a Flafel and a coke and do two things....remind each other every five minutes that WE ARE ACTUALLY IN JERUSALEM....and secondly, watch people from every country in the world stroll by. This is Jerusalem and we love serving here. Thank you God.
Monday, November 26, 2012
NOTES FROM GUIDING AT THE GARDEN TOMB ( PART 5 )
Friday, November 23, 2012
A few thoughts
A quiet day in Jerusalem. We have heard there is a cease fire between Gaza and Israel, but shortly after it was announced Gaza sent more rockets in to Israel. I guess cease fire means something different to them - maybe they think it just means not as many rockets can be sent! We haven't heard what they have done today.
There are many local staff who have had family called up to the reserves. One of the staff members son in law was called to the front lines as a medic. He has been told he may be able to go home tomorrow. Please pray for him and his family as he has seen injuries and death that will be hard for him to put out of his mind. We have had many tours cancel their trip to Israel. That is so unfortunate as it is safe in and around Israel. The tour companies and tour guides would not take any chances of putting the people in harm, and the tours that are here are not feeling in any danger at all. However, we also know that they cannot guarantee that nothing will happen. But of course, whether we are in Canada or anywhere in the world, we never know if something could happen. Is it safe to go to certain parts of Vancouver or Calgary or Toronto? There is a better chance of getting mugged in those areas than it is to be hit from a rocket here. I feel sorry for the people who have waited for a life time to come to Israel, and then have to cancel because of this unrest. It is interesting that the tours that have cancelled coming to the Garden are all from America. The Nigerians, Indonesians and Europeans are all still coming. It is generally quieter in the month of December as people do plan on staying close to home before Christmas, but now it will be even quieter with these cancellations.
The following is just a list of what comes quickly to my mind. If I think of others I will send them in another email.
Things I miss
1. not being able to find any low fat cheese or milk. Most of the cottage cheese is either 3%,5%, or 9%. I found 1% once but haven't seen it since. There is also no skim milk and the 1% milk tastes more like 3%.
2. not being able to read labels and know what is sour cream or yogurt. Not knowing what package is white flour, whole wheat flour, oat flour or ?. It makes shopping interesting.
3. baking in an oven that is in only in celsius - and then it shows 100, 200, hot or very hot. Makes baking interesting. So far nothing burned or under cooked, but can't go by what the recipe says as far as how long it needs to be in the oven.
4. seeing all our friends and family - although we do skype with our kids and grandkids on a regular basis.
5. knowing what the exact the cost of something is. Because we buy most of our vegetables and meat from small stores around the garden we never know if we are getting a good price or not.
6. understanding what the people are saying on the streets and in the shops.
7. not knowing what will be open and what will be closed. Fridays is the Muslim sabbath so their stores are closed, as of sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday the Jewish shops are closed and on Sundays the store owners who are Christians close their shops. After a while you get to know who is who but today I walked a few blocks to a shop where I knew I could get some spices and they weren't open - so I guess they are Muslim. Late this afternoon Don and I thought we would experience the new tram to see how far it goes from one end to the other, but we were too late. We were there just after 3 pm but it had already stopped for the day so that they would be back at the main station before Shabbat started. Oh well, another day.
Things I don't miss!
1. having a busy schedule with no down time - here our evenings are free so we have lots of time to invite fellow volunteers or some of the local staff over for dinner and a visit.
2. Having to hop in the car to get this errand or that errand done. Here we walk everywhere, don't miss driving at all, and love all the exercise.
3. The cold winter weather. Here we are still experiencing temperatures in the 20's, the sun shining most days with the birds singing. We know the rain and cooler tempertures will be coming soon, but we're not shovelling snow!
4. All the stress and craziness of preparing for Christmas. Even the believers here celebrate in a very small way. All the stores, schools, businesses, etc are still open on Christmas day - December 25. Because of the diverse religions, each religion celebrates on their specific holiday- their specific day. The Jews with Hanukah, the Greek Orthodox in January, etc. We have come across 2 stores though that do have Christmas decorations for sale - Santas, reindeers, snowmen and twinkling lights.
Things I love about being here!
1. Serving the Lord in such a beautiful place. The garden is so peaceful so even if there is unrest in other parts of the country we live in a beautiful garden, listening to worship in different languages from people of many different countries.
2. Meeting people from all over the world that believe in the same risen Lord that we believe in.
3. Going to different churches on Sunday and worshipping with Palestinians, Jews, or other nationalities and singing songs in English, Arabic or Hebrew.
4. Everywhere we go - in Jerusalem or other parts of Israel, there is some significance that relates to a part of the Bible or an event in the history of the country.
5. Making friends with fellow volunteers from England, Sweden, Australia and the United States. It is amazing that none of us know each other before arriving here, and yet in a couple of days we have become good friends. We know that it is this common interest in serving here at the garden that bonds us together so quickly.
6. Learning new recipes from the local staff here. One of the ladies, Matilda who is in her early 20's - a Palestinian who has become a born again Christian, has been sharing some of her recipes with me. I'm eager to try them out and hope Don likes them as much as me. If not, friends back at home will have to try them with me.
Here is a picture of Matilda and me. She was not happy to get her picture taken today as she was not dressed as nice as she usually is. I told her I would take another picture another day so you can see her at her best.
7. The fast food here is a Falafel or a Shawarma. They are everywhere and they are sooooo good and actually quite healthy. Even Don has come to like them! They have McDonalds here and we did stop in to see what they were like. They don't have Big Macs or quarter pounders, but have the New Yorker, LA, Miami, and Chicago. Of course none of them come with cheese as that would not be kosher. We bought some fries just to see if they tasted the same and they were good.
Here are some pictures. I've tried to upload some video but it doesn't seem to work. For those of you on facebook I will try and upload a few videos there.
This picture is the vendors selling just outside the Damascus gate. It was taken a few days ago.
This is the garden cat. She comes to every apartment as different volunteers always let her in. The last few mornings she was hanging around our door so much to Don's dismay I let her in and as you can see, she made herself right at home. At lunch time when Don was resting on the couch, she actually curled up right beside him and Don didn't seem to mind at all!
We went in to the old city today, and because it is Friday and the muslim prayer day, people must have decided to stay away as the streets were empty of people. It was nice to walk around without hundreds of other people.
A lady selling her spices. I noticed today that a lot of the ladies were selling raisins and dates. I just might have to buy some.
This was a barricade that was set up down the street checking the muslim men's passports before entering the old city. Nothing happened today.
Till next time - Shalom.
There are many local staff who have had family called up to the reserves. One of the staff members son in law was called to the front lines as a medic. He has been told he may be able to go home tomorrow. Please pray for him and his family as he has seen injuries and death that will be hard for him to put out of his mind. We have had many tours cancel their trip to Israel. That is so unfortunate as it is safe in and around Israel. The tour companies and tour guides would not take any chances of putting the people in harm, and the tours that are here are not feeling in any danger at all. However, we also know that they cannot guarantee that nothing will happen. But of course, whether we are in Canada or anywhere in the world, we never know if something could happen. Is it safe to go to certain parts of Vancouver or Calgary or Toronto? There is a better chance of getting mugged in those areas than it is to be hit from a rocket here. I feel sorry for the people who have waited for a life time to come to Israel, and then have to cancel because of this unrest. It is interesting that the tours that have cancelled coming to the Garden are all from America. The Nigerians, Indonesians and Europeans are all still coming. It is generally quieter in the month of December as people do plan on staying close to home before Christmas, but now it will be even quieter with these cancellations.
The following is just a list of what comes quickly to my mind. If I think of others I will send them in another email.
Things I miss
1. not being able to find any low fat cheese or milk. Most of the cottage cheese is either 3%,5%, or 9%. I found 1% once but haven't seen it since. There is also no skim milk and the 1% milk tastes more like 3%.
2. not being able to read labels and know what is sour cream or yogurt. Not knowing what package is white flour, whole wheat flour, oat flour or ?. It makes shopping interesting.
3. baking in an oven that is in only in celsius - and then it shows 100, 200, hot or very hot. Makes baking interesting. So far nothing burned or under cooked, but can't go by what the recipe says as far as how long it needs to be in the oven.
4. seeing all our friends and family - although we do skype with our kids and grandkids on a regular basis.
5. knowing what the exact the cost of something is. Because we buy most of our vegetables and meat from small stores around the garden we never know if we are getting a good price or not.
6. understanding what the people are saying on the streets and in the shops.
7. not knowing what will be open and what will be closed. Fridays is the Muslim sabbath so their stores are closed, as of sundown on Friday until sundown on Saturday the Jewish shops are closed and on Sundays the store owners who are Christians close their shops. After a while you get to know who is who but today I walked a few blocks to a shop where I knew I could get some spices and they weren't open - so I guess they are Muslim. Late this afternoon Don and I thought we would experience the new tram to see how far it goes from one end to the other, but we were too late. We were there just after 3 pm but it had already stopped for the day so that they would be back at the main station before Shabbat started. Oh well, another day.
Things I don't miss!
1. having a busy schedule with no down time - here our evenings are free so we have lots of time to invite fellow volunteers or some of the local staff over for dinner and a visit.
2. Having to hop in the car to get this errand or that errand done. Here we walk everywhere, don't miss driving at all, and love all the exercise.
3. The cold winter weather. Here we are still experiencing temperatures in the 20's, the sun shining most days with the birds singing. We know the rain and cooler tempertures will be coming soon, but we're not shovelling snow!
4. All the stress and craziness of preparing for Christmas. Even the believers here celebrate in a very small way. All the stores, schools, businesses, etc are still open on Christmas day - December 25. Because of the diverse religions, each religion celebrates on their specific holiday- their specific day. The Jews with Hanukah, the Greek Orthodox in January, etc. We have come across 2 stores though that do have Christmas decorations for sale - Santas, reindeers, snowmen and twinkling lights.
Things I love about being here!
1. Serving the Lord in such a beautiful place. The garden is so peaceful so even if there is unrest in other parts of the country we live in a beautiful garden, listening to worship in different languages from people of many different countries.
2. Meeting people from all over the world that believe in the same risen Lord that we believe in.
3. Going to different churches on Sunday and worshipping with Palestinians, Jews, or other nationalities and singing songs in English, Arabic or Hebrew.
4. Everywhere we go - in Jerusalem or other parts of Israel, there is some significance that relates to a part of the Bible or an event in the history of the country.
5. Making friends with fellow volunteers from England, Sweden, Australia and the United States. It is amazing that none of us know each other before arriving here, and yet in a couple of days we have become good friends. We know that it is this common interest in serving here at the garden that bonds us together so quickly.
6. Learning new recipes from the local staff here. One of the ladies, Matilda who is in her early 20's - a Palestinian who has become a born again Christian, has been sharing some of her recipes with me. I'm eager to try them out and hope Don likes them as much as me. If not, friends back at home will have to try them with me.
Here is a picture of Matilda and me. She was not happy to get her picture taken today as she was not dressed as nice as she usually is. I told her I would take another picture another day so you can see her at her best.
7. The fast food here is a Falafel or a Shawarma. They are everywhere and they are sooooo good and actually quite healthy. Even Don has come to like them! They have McDonalds here and we did stop in to see what they were like. They don't have Big Macs or quarter pounders, but have the New Yorker, LA, Miami, and Chicago. Of course none of them come with cheese as that would not be kosher. We bought some fries just to see if they tasted the same and they were good.
Here are some pictures. I've tried to upload some video but it doesn't seem to work. For those of you on facebook I will try and upload a few videos there.
This picture is the vendors selling just outside the Damascus gate. It was taken a few days ago.
This is the garden cat. She comes to every apartment as different volunteers always let her in. The last few mornings she was hanging around our door so much to Don's dismay I let her in and as you can see, she made herself right at home. At lunch time when Don was resting on the couch, she actually curled up right beside him and Don didn't seem to mind at all!
A meat market in the old city. Not sure what type of fish is hanging there!
A lady selling her spices. I noticed today that a lot of the ladies were selling raisins and dates. I just might have to buy some.
Till next time - Shalom.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
NOTES FROM GUIDING AT THE GARDEN TOMB - PART 4
- Air raid siren in Jerusalem went off for the second time in four days. Fell short again ( many miles short ). They have to remember Jerusalem is on a hill. Last Friday was the first time in 42 years they have tried. I put all my people in the tomb for ten minutes. As a precaution, other groups were scattered through the Garden in underground areas.
- All the guys went for burger night last night while the women watched a movie and ate pizza. When they said we were gong out for red meat, they meant it. I said well done but it was more red than not red. I was afraid it wasn't dead yet and was going to move off the plate.
- Hamas (the terrorists in Gaza) have continued to reign rockets on Israel for years. Interesting that when Israel has had enough and strikes back, all of a sudden there is international opinion. If this was rockets launching from Tijuana into Los Angeles how long do you think America would put up with it? Interesting to note several dozen rockets have not launched properly and landed on their own people.
- Also worth mentioning is the fact that Hamas put their rocket launchers in hospitals, schools, courtyards of hotels in Gaza, daring the IDF to take them out and also take out innocent civilians at the same time.
- David Mainse of 100 Huntley Street was at the Garden Tomb with a tour of Canadians today. Had a chance to talk to him. Unfortunately he is battling cancer, so his son and daughter in law have joined him on the tour to help out.
- Joel Rosenberg, well known prophecy speaker was at King of Kings church Sunday night. He had a good message on the current events in this country. His background includes working for Netanyahu years ago. Last week his group was trying to reach out to both Israeli and Arab pastors.
- Small world - years ago several from our church visited Ireland. Yesterday, the pastor of one of those churches visited the Garden and I was able to guide him for a few minutes.
- Hillary Clinton is in Israel attempting to work on a cease fire. She will be back when she runs for president in a few years. When an American looks at running, they always come to Israel to show they are pro Israel to those rich Jewish Americans back home, whose financial support they will need.
- We are safe here. If things change we will let you know. Love from Jerusalem.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Sunday in Jerusalem
Sunday was a quiet day in Jerusalem, and a day of rest for the volunteers at the Garden as we are not open to tours on Sunday. It gives us an opportunity to worship at some of the local churches.
Yesterday we attended 2 different church services. In the morning we attended East Jerusalem Baptist Church where there were about 20 of us; at 5 pm we attended King of Kings where there were over 300 of us. The pastor at East Jerusalem church is a born again Palestinian, the pastor at King of Kings is originally from Canada; but last night the guest speaker was Joel Rosenberg. Both were quite different in their worship and their preaching, but both preached the word of God that touched our hearts. We were blessed from each of the services.
There have still been rockets sent from Israel and unrest in the south between Israel and Gaza but for us in Jerusalem it is relatively quiet. On Saturday 9 of us (fellow volunteers) walked about 25 minutes to a restaurant in a busy part of Jerusalem for dinner. It would be similiar to Robson Street in Vancouver - many restaurants, shops, bars etc. It was very busy. As soon as shabbat is over, the Jewish people return to the streets and it is busy busy busy with people. You would never have known or guessed that the day before an air raid siren had gone off. People were carrying on as normal.
At King of Kings last night we sang the following song - The battle belongs to the Lord. With the week that had just passed, with the rockets being fired and the increased danger that we had never felt before, this song just spoke to my heart - the Lord is in control and God is fighting the battle for us. There is definitely a battle between Israel and Gaza, but there are so many other battles that we deal with in this world. I think last night though, as we sang this song, the battle at the forefront on everyone's mind was the battle between Israel and Gaza. God is in control and knowing that brings peace to our souls.
Amen,
Glenda
In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord (2)
The power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He’s raised up a standard, the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord (2)
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord (2)
The battle belongs to the Lord
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord (6)
Yesterday we attended 2 different church services. In the morning we attended East Jerusalem Baptist Church where there were about 20 of us; at 5 pm we attended King of Kings where there were over 300 of us. The pastor at East Jerusalem church is a born again Palestinian, the pastor at King of Kings is originally from Canada; but last night the guest speaker was Joel Rosenberg. Both were quite different in their worship and their preaching, but both preached the word of God that touched our hearts. We were blessed from each of the services.
There have still been rockets sent from Israel and unrest in the south between Israel and Gaza but for us in Jerusalem it is relatively quiet. On Saturday 9 of us (fellow volunteers) walked about 25 minutes to a restaurant in a busy part of Jerusalem for dinner. It would be similiar to Robson Street in Vancouver - many restaurants, shops, bars etc. It was very busy. As soon as shabbat is over, the Jewish people return to the streets and it is busy busy busy with people. You would never have known or guessed that the day before an air raid siren had gone off. People were carrying on as normal.
At King of Kings last night we sang the following song - The battle belongs to the Lord. With the week that had just passed, with the rockets being fired and the increased danger that we had never felt before, this song just spoke to my heart - the Lord is in control and God is fighting the battle for us. There is definitely a battle between Israel and Gaza, but there are so many other battles that we deal with in this world. I think last night though, as we sang this song, the battle at the forefront on everyone's mind was the battle between Israel and Gaza. God is in control and knowing that brings peace to our souls.
Amen,
Glenda
In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord
Power and strength to the Lord (2)
The power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He’s raised up a standard, the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord (2)
When your enemy presses in hard do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord (2)
The battle belongs to the Lord
The battle belongs to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord (6)
Saturday, November 17, 2012
We are safe in Jerusalem
Hi Everyone,
Thought we would update this and let you know how things are here in Jerusalem. We know news back home is non stop of the unrest here in Israel. We have had many emails, facebook messages wondering how we are and if we are safe. The immediate answer is YES we are safe.
We knew there would be friction yesterday (Friday) as it is the day of prayer for the Muslim men when they go in to the old city to the Dome of the Rock (the golden dome that you see in any pictures of the Jerusalem skyline.) Any man over the age of 40 is allowed on to the temple mount for prayers. In the past on Fridays, there is often uneasiness as they leave as they get all worked up while they are there. On Friday morning I walked to the end of the street to get some lettuce, cheese and for the first time there was a barricade set up across the street. This street is directly access from the old city thru the Damacus gate, then a short walk to the temple mount. Because we live in a muslim area, it is a direct path for many of the muslim men to enter the old city this way. It is probably no more than a 10 minute walk to the temple mount from where we are. At the barricade there were Israeli soldiers, and Palestinian police checking all passports of the men wanting to go down this road. I didn't have a problem going thru and I got my few items and was back up the street in a matter of 5 - 10 minutes. I never felt unsafe, but it was weird as the street was so quiet compared to other days. We knew that we should stay close to the garden between noon and 2 pm as that is when the prayers would be held and the men would be leaving and returning to East Jerusalem. During the lunch hour between noon and 1pm there was an Israeli military helicopter flying over the garden and the old city - circling about every 20 - 30 seconds and at some point just staying there. I'm sure they were monitoring what was happening at the temple mount and at Damascus gate so they could tell the riot police where they needed to be. We know there were altercations at the gate and close to Damacus gate. We heard sirens off and on.
We were also keeping up to date on all the happenings thru the Jerusalem Post - which gives up to the minute details of what is going on, plus in the staff room the TV was on CNN. At about 430 pm Don and I were in our apartment when we heard an air raid siren go off. At first we thought it was just the horn blowing that annouces it is the start of the Sabbath, but quickly realized it wasn't. Don went outside quickly to go to the front gate and sure enough it was an air raid siren. Because there hadn't been an air raid siren go off since 1970, even the locals weren't sure what the procedure was; but it didn't take long for memory to kick in. Basically you have 90 seconds from when you hear the siren to find cover - get to the bomb shelter - or whatever cover you can find, then you need to stay for 10 minutes before you should leave. If there is still danger the siren continues to go. We had some groups in the garden worshipping, so we needed to get them under cover. Interesting enough, none of them seemed concerned in the least. We had to tell one group a couple of times that we needed to move them NOW! As it turned out, 2 rockets had come in the direction of Jerusalem but didn't make it this far. I must admit, it was a different than anything I have ever experienced. We just jump in to action. After about 15 minutes, the groups left to go to their hotels, we closed the garden early and took a big breath.
Of course there is lots of speculation on these rockets and if they would actually try and send one this close to their sacred praying place, plus so many of 'their' people live right in this neighborhood, but of course you never know. The Hamas are not clear thinking people for the most part.
We know somewhat of what you are seeing on the TV and hearing on the news. Yes there are rockets being fired, but these rockets have been going from Gaza to Israel for months and years, although they have escalated in the last few days and I guess the last week. Israel did kill the head of their military so that has made them increase the rockets coming in to Israel. When the Egyptian president went to Gaza, Israel said they would stop sending rockets back in to Gaza while the president was there, if they would stop sending rockets in to Israel. Gaza did not stop. The Hamas have stored most of their weapons and ammunition in places where it is difficult for Israel to go and destroy them. They have them stored in schools and hospitals, so if Israel was to go and bomb these places they would look bad in the world as so many innocent children and already sick and injured people's lives would be lost. So the Hamas know what they are doing and know that Israel is not going to want to do that.
Today, Staurday morning the sun is shining, the birds are singing, right next door to the garden is a muslim girls school and they are laughing and playing in the playground directly beside our apartment window. I walked to the end of our street and today there is no barricade and the street is busy again with men, women and children rushing about buying what they need. We know by no means that the danger is gone, Hamas is still sending rockets and the Israeli army has called up thousands of reserves. Speculation is that there could be a ground war.
Be assured that if things were to get worse or we felt unsafe, or if the Canadian government asked all Canadians to leave the country we would leave; but right now we don't feel that is necessary. We are being cautious, listening to what is being said, following the news here (which might be quite different to what you are hearing back home) and praying for the people and the land of Israel. At this point we feel this is where God wants us to be - sharing his gospel to the whole world around us.
We will keep you up to date on the situation. We welcome your prayers for us and for the country of Israel.
Thank you.
Glenda and Don
Thought we would update this and let you know how things are here in Jerusalem. We know news back home is non stop of the unrest here in Israel. We have had many emails, facebook messages wondering how we are and if we are safe. The immediate answer is YES we are safe.
We knew there would be friction yesterday (Friday) as it is the day of prayer for the Muslim men when they go in to the old city to the Dome of the Rock (the golden dome that you see in any pictures of the Jerusalem skyline.) Any man over the age of 40 is allowed on to the temple mount for prayers. In the past on Fridays, there is often uneasiness as they leave as they get all worked up while they are there. On Friday morning I walked to the end of the street to get some lettuce, cheese and for the first time there was a barricade set up across the street. This street is directly access from the old city thru the Damacus gate, then a short walk to the temple mount. Because we live in a muslim area, it is a direct path for many of the muslim men to enter the old city this way. It is probably no more than a 10 minute walk to the temple mount from where we are. At the barricade there were Israeli soldiers, and Palestinian police checking all passports of the men wanting to go down this road. I didn't have a problem going thru and I got my few items and was back up the street in a matter of 5 - 10 minutes. I never felt unsafe, but it was weird as the street was so quiet compared to other days. We knew that we should stay close to the garden between noon and 2 pm as that is when the prayers would be held and the men would be leaving and returning to East Jerusalem. During the lunch hour between noon and 1pm there was an Israeli military helicopter flying over the garden and the old city - circling about every 20 - 30 seconds and at some point just staying there. I'm sure they were monitoring what was happening at the temple mount and at Damascus gate so they could tell the riot police where they needed to be. We know there were altercations at the gate and close to Damacus gate. We heard sirens off and on.
We were also keeping up to date on all the happenings thru the Jerusalem Post - which gives up to the minute details of what is going on, plus in the staff room the TV was on CNN. At about 430 pm Don and I were in our apartment when we heard an air raid siren go off. At first we thought it was just the horn blowing that annouces it is the start of the Sabbath, but quickly realized it wasn't. Don went outside quickly to go to the front gate and sure enough it was an air raid siren. Because there hadn't been an air raid siren go off since 1970, even the locals weren't sure what the procedure was; but it didn't take long for memory to kick in. Basically you have 90 seconds from when you hear the siren to find cover - get to the bomb shelter - or whatever cover you can find, then you need to stay for 10 minutes before you should leave. If there is still danger the siren continues to go. We had some groups in the garden worshipping, so we needed to get them under cover. Interesting enough, none of them seemed concerned in the least. We had to tell one group a couple of times that we needed to move them NOW! As it turned out, 2 rockets had come in the direction of Jerusalem but didn't make it this far. I must admit, it was a different than anything I have ever experienced. We just jump in to action. After about 15 minutes, the groups left to go to their hotels, we closed the garden early and took a big breath.
Of course there is lots of speculation on these rockets and if they would actually try and send one this close to their sacred praying place, plus so many of 'their' people live right in this neighborhood, but of course you never know. The Hamas are not clear thinking people for the most part.
We know somewhat of what you are seeing on the TV and hearing on the news. Yes there are rockets being fired, but these rockets have been going from Gaza to Israel for months and years, although they have escalated in the last few days and I guess the last week. Israel did kill the head of their military so that has made them increase the rockets coming in to Israel. When the Egyptian president went to Gaza, Israel said they would stop sending rockets back in to Gaza while the president was there, if they would stop sending rockets in to Israel. Gaza did not stop. The Hamas have stored most of their weapons and ammunition in places where it is difficult for Israel to go and destroy them. They have them stored in schools and hospitals, so if Israel was to go and bomb these places they would look bad in the world as so many innocent children and already sick and injured people's lives would be lost. So the Hamas know what they are doing and know that Israel is not going to want to do that.
Today, Staurday morning the sun is shining, the birds are singing, right next door to the garden is a muslim girls school and they are laughing and playing in the playground directly beside our apartment window. I walked to the end of our street and today there is no barricade and the street is busy again with men, women and children rushing about buying what they need. We know by no means that the danger is gone, Hamas is still sending rockets and the Israeli army has called up thousands of reserves. Speculation is that there could be a ground war.
Be assured that if things were to get worse or we felt unsafe, or if the Canadian government asked all Canadians to leave the country we would leave; but right now we don't feel that is necessary. We are being cautious, listening to what is being said, following the news here (which might be quite different to what you are hearing back home) and praying for the people and the land of Israel. At this point we feel this is where God wants us to be - sharing his gospel to the whole world around us.
We will keep you up to date on the situation. We welcome your prayers for us and for the country of Israel.
Thank you.
Glenda and Don
Friday, November 16, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
NOTES FROM GUIDING AT THE GARDEN TOMB ( PART 3 )
- Spending a lot of time greeting visitors at the entrance to the tomb lately. Yesterday, a young man from an Eastern European country came out of the tomb with his fist held high and shouted, " He is not here, He is rising ". The verse on the entrance to the tomb says " He is not here, He is risen ." His heart was in the right place.
- Sunday morning we joined our friends and fellow volunteers, Al and Judy, and travelled to the proposed site where John baptized Jesus on the shores of the Jordan River. We stopped off at Engedi for a picnic lunch on our return. This site was one of the main places of refuge for David as he fled from Saul.
- One particular group of visitors come in to the Garden and guide themselves ( we have no guide in their language ) and for some reason they prove to be difficult to handle for us and the others who are there to worship. This week I had a couple of encounters with them. When they interfere with other groups we need to step in and correct the situation as I did today. One man wouldn't take my direction at the tomb after being asked very nicely several times. When he came out of the tomb he pushed his camera within inches of my face and took several pictures. I grabbed his camera and told the translator that if he acted up again, none of their group would enter the tomb. It is sad that when everyone is here to worship our Lord and Savior, that some are not a good witness to those around them.
- Guided a group yesterday. Fooled me as they were all black - but from Sweden. They were originally from Ethiopia and we translated in Eritrean. It was interesting and they were a great group to spend time with.
- Four Catholic priests were here for a tour yesterday. For many years tradition held that the place of crucifixion and the tomb were at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Most Catholics swear it is there. It is only in the last 150 years that many Protestants have started to understand the Garden Tomb as a possible alternative. At the end of the tour one of the priests stated to our guide, " I can't see how it could be at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre anymore - at the church the site of the crucifixion and tomb are too close together with no room for the garden in between." Interesting input.
- At our weekly fellowship evening, one of the volunteers commented on the closeness between fellow volunteers and the love we display for each other having known each other such a short time - he felt it was due in large part to our common bond in being able to share the gospel with so many each day and where we have the privilege of volunteering - at the Garden Tomb. Although we start the day at 6am and don't finish before 6pm most days and while it is very tiring, we don't consider this work.
- With that in mind we are looking forward to welcoming a very special couple to the Garden. Fellow Canadians Gordon and Donna Reeve are arriving in two weeks to volunteer alongside us. Glenda and I were excited about being the first Canadians ever to serve at this site - we are just as excited about the second couple from Canada arriving.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Some pictures of our day in Jerusalem
Here are a few more pictures of our life in Jerusalem.
On Saturday night after a busy day, the volunteers get together and 'eat out' at one of the local restuarants. This past Saturday we went to a restaurant that we had gone to when we were here last time, and Don was excited to go back. They have Hawaiian pizza, but not the same toppings as we have in Canada. Because they don't have pork in Israel, they substitute strips of roast beef for the ham. Don enjoyed every bite. I had a mushroom fettucine with tomato sauce. It was also very good.
As we start down the street in the Muslim Quarter
Pomegranates, oranges, lemons and limes for fresh squeezed juice.
Candies, candies, candies - most of them sitting in open boxes
Here are a few of the people we saw as we sat in the Jewish quarter. Men and women of the army!
On Saturday night after a busy day, the volunteers get together and 'eat out' at one of the local restuarants. This past Saturday we went to a restaurant that we had gone to when we were here last time, and Don was excited to go back. They have Hawaiian pizza, but not the same toppings as we have in Canada. Because they don't have pork in Israel, they substitute strips of roast beef for the ham. Don enjoyed every bite. I had a mushroom fettucine with tomato sauce. It was also very good.
On Sunday, we decided to walk thru the Old City - going nowhere in particular, just walking up and down the streets. We eventually arrived in the Jewish quarter where we sat in the square and watched the different people walk by. I should explain that the Old city is made up of 4 quarters - one is the Armenian quarter, one the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter and the Jewish Quarter. They are all different and yet similiar. You can often tell the quarters by what they are selling in their little shops. The Christian quarter will be a little quieter in some areas and I find the vendors are not quite as pushy as the vendors in the Muslim quarter. The Via Dolorosa goes thru the Muslim Quarter and the Christian Quarter so there are always groups of people on that route as they stop at the different 'stations of the cross.' Many of the shops in the Christian quarter will be selling the Catholic rosaries, and more of the olive wood souvenirs of Jesus on the cross, nativity sets, etc. As you walk up and down the streets you see the stores that sell candy and toys, other streets have bedding and kitchen towels, other streets will have mostly souvenirs, and in the Muslim quarter lots of scarves and clothing for the moslem women. We usually enter the old city by the Damascus Gate where children are always running around, and the vendors are yelling in Arabic or Hebrew to come and buy their fruits or vegetables. I'm hoping to get a video of it so you can hear first hand the commotion. As we enter the Damascus Gate, the women are selling their fresh vegetables.
As we start down the street in the Muslim Quarter
Here are a few of the people we saw as we sat in the Jewish quarter. Men and women of the army!
Orthodox Jews
Jeiwsh women getting together
This man was asking for money
The streets in the old city
And lots more pomegranates!
Hope you enjoy the pictures.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
NOTES FROM GUIDING AT THE GARDEN TOMB ( PART 2 )
Don Weglo
- El Salvador, Honduras, USA, Canada, Austria, U.K., Burundi - just some of the people I was able to guide today or in the case of Burundi, spend some time with.
- People came from Northern Ireland - one from Lisburn who had heard of Robert Murdock, our pastor - his name gets around.
- One of the more rewarding moments in the garden is wandering thru when there are no tours ready and just meeting people - today a fellow from Ireland asked me if I would pray for his brother who was struggling - we spent a few moments in prayer together right there near the tomb.
- Day off yesterday we went to Natanya - beautiful beach resort on the Mediterranean and guess what else - an IKEA store. Glenda was impressed.
- Came out of IKEA to find a note in Hebrew and a phone number on our Garden tomb car. Not understanding Hebrew, I looked around the vehicle and found what I thought was big new dent. We came back later and told our Director of the dent - he said that dent was there before. Then one of the office staff translated the note - all they wanted to know was if we wanted to sell our car to them. Sigh of relief.
- Wonderful lady spoke to to us Tuesday evening. 37 years in Jerusalem, raised 4 children here. Two of her kids were injured in the bombing years ago and her husband recently divorced her. She was an inspiration - telling us that we needed faith and obedience which came with discipline. She encouraged to take some time for ourselves and time for God as busy volunteers but we needed to finish strong and discipline was an integral part of that.
- Just as last time here, it is a wonderful experience meeting and working alongside the other volunteer guides from all over the world - this month from Australia, Sweden, USA, U.K., Paraguay, Jerusalem, and more. God has called these men - it is obvious as all have the same servant heart and " get it" when it comes to what is needed here - cleaning bird poop off benches at 6am, counting the day's receipts at 6pm, and guiding, serving communion, working in the gift shop, praying for others, and much more with the right heart throughout the day. I have gained much from these older, wiser men.
Don Weglo
Monday, November 5, 2012
A few random pictures - some of the garden with groups that are here.
The first picture is of the gift shop with our new IKEA book shelves and counters.
A group having a communion service in the "Dell."
Don monitoring people entering the tomb area. On a busy day we need to monitor people as they enter otherwise some groups will never want to leave. Although we never want to rush people, we also need to make sure that everyone has an opportunity.
The line waiting to enter the tomb. The groups with the green shirts and hats are a group from Nigeria. November, December and January we will see 1000's of Nigerians in Israel. The government of Nigeria pays for them to come to the Holy Land once in their lifetime. We're not sure how they apply or how they are chosen but we always enjoy their worship and their enthusiam.
As I was walking thru the garden, I saw this couple having their own little communion service. I'm not sure who they are or where they are from. We often see individuals, couples, groups of 2 or 3, or even families coming on their own. If we are not too busy with larger groups we will give them a tour, or we now have headsets that they can use that have a recorded message for the explanation of the garden. Sometimes, if we see an individual setting on their own and they seem to be needing a hug or time or prayer, we will sit with them and pray with them.
The first picture is of the gift shop with our new IKEA book shelves and counters.
A group having a communion service in the "Dell."
The line waiting to enter the tomb. The groups with the green shirts and hats are a group from Nigeria. November, December and January we will see 1000's of Nigerians in Israel. The government of Nigeria pays for them to come to the Holy Land once in their lifetime. We're not sure how they apply or how they are chosen but we always enjoy their worship and their enthusiam.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Shalom,
I am hoping you enjoy some of the following pictures taking over the last week that we have been here. The first pictures are of our time at the Gaililee. Rami and Riki cutting their birthday cakes. I believe there were over 40 of us from the Garden that had this special outing.
The waterfall at the bottom of the 2 km hike down. Sorry never got any pictures of the hike down. Concentrating too much on the walk to make sure we didn't go over the edge!
St Peter's fish dinner. Very delicious - once we took the head off and removed the bones. Prior to the fish arriving we were also treated to Hummus with pita bread. Don tried that for the first time too, he never took seconds but at least he tried some!
I'll send these off and try and work on the next set. The internet is working quite quickly right now, so will take advantage of it.
Glenda
NOTES FROM THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF GUIDING AT THE GARDEN
- A lady from Nigeria who had been on my tour approached me afterwards. She had a toque with a Canadian maple leaf on it. She told me her husband was from Saskatchewan ( her pronunciation added a few letters). I informed her that my wife was from Grenfell, Saskatchewan and asked her where her husband was from in Saskatchewan. She said she wasn't sure but he had told her it was close to Niagara Falls. The next Canadian group I guided got a kick out of that.
- I was a little apprehensive that I had forgotten everything after 18 months, but after the first tour, it felt really comfortable and it all came back. Actually, coming back to Jerusalem was like coming home.
- Had our first ( but not last ) flafel and coke upon returning to the Garden - just as good as I remembered.
- Last Saturday, all the Jerusalem holy sites opened their doors to the locals ( Israelis ) with an invitation to come and visit. We were pleasantly surprised to welcome over 800 Israelis( mostly non christians ) for their first visit to the Garden - the only Protestant holy site in Israel.
- Tried St Peter's fish for the first time. On previous tours I just couldn't eat something that still had a head on it when it arrived on my plate - but this time I tried and it was very good, with much more meat on it than I had thought it would have. I also tried hummus and it was just as Glenda said - I didn't die.
- I tell North Americans that I left Jerusalem last time with a challenge to myself - if I could share in the Garden with 6000 strangers I had never met, I should be able to share more upon my return to Vernon. It was amazing how many times the word Jerusalem came up over the last year when I was driving people around Vernon at work.
- Back in Jerusalem, it never ceases to amaze me each time I take a tour, no matter what part of the world the people are from, that for the next 25 minutes I get an opportunity to share Christ with them.
- I was doing just that this week at Skull Hill, the place where we believe Jesus was crucified, and I had just got to the highlight of that segment of the tour, when I say, "It's not important where He died, but why and for who" - when this American lady who was obviously glued to every word I had said, jumped up and yelled, " Is that a cat over there on the hill?".
- The guides swap stories during the day about some of the questions people will ask when they get to the tomb - everything from " where are the bones?" to "is there only one tomb?"
- Ran into our guide / friend from the first two tours I went on a few years ago - His name is Roni Winter and he seemed glad to see us - we hope to get together near Christmas. He is close to Gordon and Donna Reeve, fellow Canadians who are joining us later this month in the Garden.
- We went to the Jewish quarter today just to sit there and watch - it was fascinating. Glenda took pictures and once we find a faster way to download she will add to the blog. We will let the pictures tell the story.
- Enough for now - we are truly blessed to serve here. It really feels as if this is the place He wants us to serve at this point in time.
Friday, November 2, 2012
First of all sorry for the delay in getting an update to our blog. We have been having trouble signing in. Hopefully we will get this sent off without any interruptions.
It is hard to believe we have been here a week already! We have finally got over the jetlag, and after reading my last entry, I realize how 'out of it' I was. A few mistakes - hopefully this time it will be better. We are finally sleeping without waking up at 1, 2 or 3 am and being awake for 3 or 4 hrs.
Other than Sunday, which is a day off for everyone, yesterday was our first official day off. We didn't do anything too exciting as the car that we can use was already signed out by another volunteer; so we did a walk thru the old city to get to the post office and then just spent some time reading and resting in our apartment. It was a very warm day - close to 30 celsius. I actually went to the sitting area on the roof and got a suntan. I know some of you are experiencing -20 celsius with the wind chill (sorry Rempel's in Lloyminster and Phillip's in Bonnyville) plus snow. We are still enjoying wearing shorts, tank tops and flip flops!! Sure can't complain about that! Today is a little cooler but still wearing flip flops and tank tops. As we get further in to November and December it will start to cool down, but right now we are enjoying every moment.
On Sunday, all the volunteers and some staff from Jerusalem went on an outing to the Sea of Galilee area, a hike, and then finished with a fish dinner in the Golan area. It was a beautiful sunny day! Again as we went around the Sea of Galilee we felt as if we were back in the Okanagan. With the lake and the hills around, it reminds us so much of the scenery down by Summerland and Penticton. After a short picnic lunch, and birthday cake, one of the ladies who lives in Jerusalem celebrated her 50th birthday the day before, we moved on to a national park for a 2 km hike down to a natural pool and water fall. It was a long narrow path down to the pool, but of course we knew he had to walk all the way back up. The paths here are not smooth, with well built steps, and hand rails, but full of rocks and natural rock steps. Some of the steps were not steps at all but big drops from one ledge to another. Don said if he had known how steep and narrow the path was, he probably would not have done it. Many times, the path was very narrow and if one had tripped or fell, they would very easily have gone over the edge. Fortunately, no one got hurt, and because of Don's breathing problem, we took it slow coming up and he was fine.
We feel in some ways like we never left 18 months ago. Walking around the neighborhood to shop at the local shops, walking thru the old city streets, walking up to the larger grocery store, everything is so much more familiar and common. It feels like when we make the trip back to Vancouver after a few months - we know where to go to get what we need.
We are in a different apartment then what we were in last time. This one is just as nice and comfortable. We feel very blessed. I will take some pictures and send them later.
It is hard to put in to words how blessed we feel to be here, to hear worship continually all day as different groups from all over the world are praising our risen Lord. So many individuals will say to us, how it must be so special to be able to volunteer in such a special place, and we just have to nod as we often get choked up when we realize just what we are doing and what a privilege we do have. We're always excited when a group from Canada arrives, and as long as Don isn't already leading another group, he gets to lead them. I'm enjoying my time in the gift shop and noticed right away that they did some renovations since we were here last. The funny thing is that the new counters and some of the shelving is all from IKEA. They have an IKEA just outside Tel Aviv. I've already told Don that we're going to have to go there one day just to see it and see how similiar everything is to what we get in Canada. The funny thing is that when Shelley moved into her new place in Abbotsford, we made a few trips to IKEA to get book shelves, her bed and numerous other things; and she vowed never to buy another piece of furniture there that she had to assemble. Well the counter tops are almost identical to what my computer desk is at home, and I immediately recognized alot of the shelves. It is a small world!!! And it definitely makes the gift shop look nicer too.
Well I was trying to upload some pictures to put with this blog, but they are taking forwever to upload so they will have to wait for another day.
We understand tomorrow, Saturday - Shabbat or Sabbath here- is to be a busy day so better get off to bed so we're ready to clean benches tomorrow morning at 630AM. It does seem to come early but once we're up and out it is not a bad way to start the morning. The birds are chirping, and the sun is shining.
So Shalom for now.
Don and Glenda
It is hard to believe we have been here a week already! We have finally got over the jetlag, and after reading my last entry, I realize how 'out of it' I was. A few mistakes - hopefully this time it will be better. We are finally sleeping without waking up at 1, 2 or 3 am and being awake for 3 or 4 hrs.
Other than Sunday, which is a day off for everyone, yesterday was our first official day off. We didn't do anything too exciting as the car that we can use was already signed out by another volunteer; so we did a walk thru the old city to get to the post office and then just spent some time reading and resting in our apartment. It was a very warm day - close to 30 celsius. I actually went to the sitting area on the roof and got a suntan. I know some of you are experiencing -20 celsius with the wind chill (sorry Rempel's in Lloyminster and Phillip's in Bonnyville) plus snow. We are still enjoying wearing shorts, tank tops and flip flops!! Sure can't complain about that! Today is a little cooler but still wearing flip flops and tank tops. As we get further in to November and December it will start to cool down, but right now we are enjoying every moment.
On Sunday, all the volunteers and some staff from Jerusalem went on an outing to the Sea of Galilee area, a hike, and then finished with a fish dinner in the Golan area. It was a beautiful sunny day! Again as we went around the Sea of Galilee we felt as if we were back in the Okanagan. With the lake and the hills around, it reminds us so much of the scenery down by Summerland and Penticton. After a short picnic lunch, and birthday cake, one of the ladies who lives in Jerusalem celebrated her 50th birthday the day before, we moved on to a national park for a 2 km hike down to a natural pool and water fall. It was a long narrow path down to the pool, but of course we knew he had to walk all the way back up. The paths here are not smooth, with well built steps, and hand rails, but full of rocks and natural rock steps. Some of the steps were not steps at all but big drops from one ledge to another. Don said if he had known how steep and narrow the path was, he probably would not have done it. Many times, the path was very narrow and if one had tripped or fell, they would very easily have gone over the edge. Fortunately, no one got hurt, and because of Don's breathing problem, we took it slow coming up and he was fine.
We feel in some ways like we never left 18 months ago. Walking around the neighborhood to shop at the local shops, walking thru the old city streets, walking up to the larger grocery store, everything is so much more familiar and common. It feels like when we make the trip back to Vancouver after a few months - we know where to go to get what we need.
We are in a different apartment then what we were in last time. This one is just as nice and comfortable. We feel very blessed. I will take some pictures and send them later.
It is hard to put in to words how blessed we feel to be here, to hear worship continually all day as different groups from all over the world are praising our risen Lord. So many individuals will say to us, how it must be so special to be able to volunteer in such a special place, and we just have to nod as we often get choked up when we realize just what we are doing and what a privilege we do have. We're always excited when a group from Canada arrives, and as long as Don isn't already leading another group, he gets to lead them. I'm enjoying my time in the gift shop and noticed right away that they did some renovations since we were here last. The funny thing is that the new counters and some of the shelving is all from IKEA. They have an IKEA just outside Tel Aviv. I've already told Don that we're going to have to go there one day just to see it and see how similiar everything is to what we get in Canada. The funny thing is that when Shelley moved into her new place in Abbotsford, we made a few trips to IKEA to get book shelves, her bed and numerous other things; and she vowed never to buy another piece of furniture there that she had to assemble. Well the counter tops are almost identical to what my computer desk is at home, and I immediately recognized alot of the shelves. It is a small world!!! And it definitely makes the gift shop look nicer too.
Well I was trying to upload some pictures to put with this blog, but they are taking forwever to upload so they will have to wait for another day.
We understand tomorrow, Saturday - Shabbat or Sabbath here- is to be a busy day so better get off to bed so we're ready to clean benches tomorrow morning at 630AM. It does seem to come early but once we're up and out it is not a bad way to start the morning. The birds are chirping, and the sun is shining.
So Shalom for now.
Don and Glenda
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